Events to focus attention on elder abuse awareness

6/24/2014, 4:38 p.m.

Sherry Boston

DeKalb Solicitor General Sherry Boston is hosting a series of Safety in Numbers bingo events across the county to educate seniors about elder abuse.

Boston and members of her Special Victims Unit will discuss the signs of elder abuse and what seniors can do to get help or assist a friend who may be in danger. Boston says abuse ranges from neglect to physical, sexual, emotional, and/or financial abuse.

Warning signs include frequent unexplained injuries, fear of a caregiver or family member, and social isolation.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was observed June 15. In the United States alone, more than 500,000 cases of abuse against elderly Americans are reported every year, and experts believe there are many more cases that are not reported.